I came across a song in the 1990’s by Clay Crosse that I have enjoyed singing from time to time, called “Time to Believe.” One verse of the song is

“Sounds tear through the morning, you pull yourself from your bed…Try so hard to quiet your mind, dodging thoughts of what lies dead ahead: A chance to be dashed on the rocks, fooled by friendly lights, shining solely to deceive. Such hard living in this cold, cold world People it’s time to believe.”

I like the song’s invitation to consider finding safety and solace in the goodness of God amidst some harsh realities we face as human beings in this world. As much as we might like to believe that we are strong and in control of our lives, we are actually quite fragile and vulnerable, physically, psychologically, and spiritually. We can be easily distracted by lights that seem friendly enough, but if we chase after them, we find ourselves “dashed on the rocks.” Temptations, wrong turns, deceptions, false hopes.

Jesus promised that there would be troubles, so we shouldn’t be surprised when life turns out to be difficult. But he also promised that we would not be left without resources. In fact, he sent his own Spirit to enable us not only to overcome all difficulties, but to do great works in his name as we wait for his return.

I am starting this blog to encourage faith to rise in my own heart and in yours. The journey is safer and also more joyous when we walk together. I pray for great love and great courage in all of our hearts in the days ahead, as we become fully rooted in our faith and in the love of the Father.